Australia hits back at angry Greeks

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Australia today hit back at Athens Olympics organisers, who are angry about
travel advice to Greece warning Australians to beware of bombs, hooligans,
sexual predators and pickpockets.

Greece is outraged at the Australian government's warning for tourists to
exercise caution, keep themselves informed of developments that might affect
their safety and avoid large gatherings, including football matches.

But the federal government said it would be negligent not to pass on the
warning while Australian International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Kevan
Gosper accused Greece and his IOC colleagues of overreacting.

The updated advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)
came after bomb attacks in Athens last week at the start of the 100 day
countdown to the Games.

"Australians should be aware of a recent series of firebomb attacks on
domestic, political and commercial premises in Greece, mainly in Athens and
Thessaloniki," the advice said.

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"Petty crime including pick-pocketing and bag-snatching occurs mainly in
tourist areas and on public transport.

"Tourists in Greece, including Australians, have been victims of sexual
assault in recent years, mainly on the Greek islands."

The advice infuriated Greeks, many of whom believe criticism of Athens'
preparations by Australia are about reminding them of the success of Sydney's
2000 Games.

"What are the Australians on about?" the popular Flash Radio said.

"It's us who should issue a travel advisory for Australia because we did not
take part in the war in Iraq, unlike Australia which now faces security
threats."

Chief IOC inspector of the Athens Games, Denis Oswald, joined the criticism,
saying he was surprised and disappointed because Australia was a member of a
seven nation group advising on safety for the Games.

Public Order Minister Giorgos Voulgarakis, in charge of Greece's massive
security for the Games, said the warning was exaggerated and empty of substance.

But Australia's parliamentary secretary for foreign affairs Chris Gallus
stood by the warning and said Australia had an obligation to advise travellers
of risks.

She said the travel advice was not done lightly and was the result of
consultations with spy agency ASIO, international intelligence reports and the
diplomatic post in Athens.

"This happens from time to time when you issue advice that countries think
might affect their tourism and they complain but, as always, we stick by our
advice because this is not come at lightly," Ms Gallus said.

"There are some places where we know there is terrorist activity and clearly
we would be not performing our duty of care to Australian citizens if we didn't
highlight those places where the chance of encountering terrorism is higher than
other places."

Mr Gosper agreed the warning contained sound advice but said it should be
kept in perspective.

"It doesn't alter the plans of the Australian Olympic Committee to send the
team away," he told the Nine network.

"So I'm a bit surprised at the overreaction of the Greeks themselves and any
member of the International Olympic Committee in Europe at the moment."

Mr Gosper urged everyone involved in the Olympics to remain calm.

Meanwhile, Ms Gallus said there had been no specific information about
terrorists targeting Australians at the Olympic Games.